Happy 45th birthday Jennifer Lopez!

By Lisa Respers France, CNN

updated 12:49 PM EDT, Thu July 24, 2014

Jennifer Lopez's love life has always been in the spotlight. In a new book, the actress and singer says she's learned some important lessons along the way, including "how to take care of myself and know my worth." Here's a look back at Lopez's life and career:

Lopez's big break came in the title role of the biopic "Selena," which catapulted her into the limelight. She brought then-husband Ojani Noa to the Hollywood film premiere in 1995.

Lopez also put a great deal of energy into her music career, which was upstaged in 2000 by this outfit at the Grammys.

Remember when Lopez and Ben Affleck were engaged? The pair attended the 75th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood in 2003.

Lopez is also a businesswoman with an empire that includes a few fragrance lines. In 2004, she made an appearance at Macy's Herald Square in New York.

Lopez and then-husband Marc Anthony leave the Jennifer Lopez Fall 2005 show during Olympus Fashion Week at Bryant Park in New York.

Lopez and Anthony became parents to twins Max and Emme in 2008.

Lopez attended the Launch of Gucci Children's Collection in 2010 in Beverly Hills.

Lopez hosted an American Music Awards afterparty on November 20, 2011, in West Hollywood, California.

Lopez joined Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler as judges for "American Idol" in 2012. She left after a season, but returned to the show in 2013.

Even while singing and heading her business empire, Lopez has continued to act and in 2012 attended the premiere of her film "What To Expect When You're Expecting" at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

Lopez performed her hit "On The Floor" in 2011 at the American Music Awards.

Lopez at a post-concert party at the Pure Nightclub at Caesars Palace in 2012 in Las Vegas.

Lopez and actress Cameron Diaz presented the Oscar for makeup at the 84th Annual Academy Awards in 2012.

After her divorce from Anthony, Lopez started dating dancer Casper Smart, who is 18 years her junior. The pair, seen here attending a 2012 event at Planet Dailies & Mixology 101 in Los Angeles, broke up in 2014.

Lopez is also very involved in charity work. In June 2013, she was the recipient of the Humanitarian Award at the fourth annual amfAR Inspiration Gala in New York.

In June 2013 she also received the 2,500th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles.

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Jennifer Lopez: Through the years

Jennifer Lopez: Through the years

Jennifer Lopez: Through the years

Jennifer Lopez: Through the years

Jennifer Lopez: Through the years

Jennifer Lopez: Through the years

Jennifer Lopez: Through the years

Jennifer Lopez: Through the years

Jennifer Lopez: Through the years

Jennifer Lopez: Through the years

Jennifer Lopez: Through the years

Jennifer Lopez: Through the years

Jennifer Lopez: Through the years

Jennifer Lopez: Through the years

Jennifer Lopez: Through the years

Jennifer Lopez: Through the years

Jennifer Lopez: Through the years

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STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Jennifer Lopez celebrates 45th birthday on Thursday

She recently posted pics of herself in a bikini

Her latest music video teaser is for her song "Booty"

(CNN) -- It's not her birthday suit, but Jennifer Lopez is showing that 45 is treating her pretty well.

The "American Idol" judge is celebrating her special day Thursday, and recent pictures of her in a bikini would probably make a woman half her age jealous. Lopez posted the photos on her Instagram account and revealed they were snapped by her friend, actress Leah Remini.

The most recent picture features the singer reclining while wearing a bikini, hoop earrings and a straw fedora.

Another photo features a wet-haired Lopez in a red swimsuit while gazing into the distance. The caption reads, "My friend took this pic. And made me post it! Guess who? @leahremini #vacation #summertime #feelingrelaxed #backtoworksoon."

But before she gets back to her grind, here's hoping Lopez is enjoying the start of her 45th year. Happy birthday -- and keep enjoying splashing around in the fountain of youth.